Civil Code section 1431

Joint Liability

An obligation imposed upon several persons, or a right created in favor of several persons, is presumed to be joint, and not several, except as provided in Section 1431.2, and except in the special cases mentioned in the title on the interpretation of contracts. This presumption, in the case of a right, can be overcome only by express words to the contrary.

Source: Section 1431, https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CIV§ionNum=1431. (accessed Aug. 3, 2026).

1430
1431
1431.1
1431.2
1431.3
1431.4
1431.5
1432

Up to date

Verified:
Aug. 3, 2026

§ 1431's source at ca.gov

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Location: https://california.public.law/codes/civil_code_section_1431

Original Source: Section 1431, https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CIV§ionNum=1431. (last accessed May 12, 2025).